Welcome to Hanoi! This weekend (February 28th & March 1st, 2026) is perfect for family fun, especially with the tail-end celebrations from Tet. Don't miss the spectacular cultural immersion at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism. For consistent fun, consider a cyclo tour or exploring Hoan Kiem Lake when the streets are closed to traffic!
See our top picks
Hoan Kiem Lake Walk Tour
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Enjoy the car-free streets around the lake on Sunday for a safe family stroll.
VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City
Times City
An indoor mega-hit with both a massive aquarium and interactive role-playing zones for kids.
Hanoi Old Quarter by Cyclo
Hanoi's Old Quarter
A comfortable, gentle way for even the youngest ones to see the historic centre.
· February 28
3: This large cultural event celebrating Tet brings together hundreds of participants from diverse ethnic communities. Expect engaging activities like ritual reenactments showcasing Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry.This is the final weekend for this large-scale Tet celebration, making it a must-see cultural experience before it wraps up Sunday.
HANOI TRAIN STREET : If you are passing through the Old Quarter, be sure to catch a train passing just inches from the walls! It's a thrilling, if brief, spectacle that kids of all ages will love.It’s a uniquely Hanoi experience that guarantees an exciting photo opportunity on Saturday.
VINKE & VINPEARL AQUARIUM TIMES CITY : This complex is fantastic for kids, offering the Vinpearl Aquarium with fascinating marine life, alongside VinKE, an interactive zone where they can role-play as doctors or chefs.It's a guaranteed indoor hit for Saturday, combining exciting marine life with role-playing activities.
· March 1
4HOAN KIEM LAKE WALK TOURFREE : The streets surrounding the lake are closed to traffic on Sundays, making it incredibly safe and enjoyable for a family stroll. Visit the Turtle Tower and cross the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.Sunday is the best day for this, as the car-free zone allows kids to move freely around one of Hanoi's most famous spots.
VIETNAM MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY : Explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups. Older kids will appreciate the indoor exhibits, and everyone loves exploring the life-sized reconstructions of traditional houses outside.It’s a fantastic option for indoor discovery on Sunday, especially if you want an educational break from the street crowds.
LOTTE OBSERVATION DECK : Head up to the 65th floor for amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Hanoi. If the family is brave, step out onto the glass skywalk!Sunday is a great day for high views, offering a totally different perspective of the city layout.
TRANG TIEN ICE CREAMFREE : Grab a classic Hanoi treat near Hoan Kiem Lake! This iconic shop has been around since 1958, serving unique flavors like green bean and young rice.Perfect for a quick, inexpensive cool-down after a Sunday afternoon walk around the lake.
Also On· anytime this weekend
8: Introduce the kids to Hanoi’s incredible culinary scene with a guided street food tour. It’s a safe and delicious way for the whole family to sample local delights.Street food tours are a fantastic, engaging way to explore the Old Quarter's atmosphere and try iconic dishes.
: Take a relaxing ride through the historic heart of Hanoi in a three-wheeled bicycle taxi. It lets the family soak up the sights and sounds without tiring little legs.A cyclo ride is a unique, low-effort way to experience the buzz of the Old Quarter, especially fun for younger kids.
: This traditional Vietnamese show is fascinating, telling folklore and rural stories using puppets on water. Kids are usually mesmerized by the spectacle.It’s a classic cultural must-see in Hanoi, and you can easily grab a ticket for a Saturday afternoon or evening show.
: Start your day by visiting a busy local market to pick ingredients, then head to a cooking school. This is a hands-on way for the family to create and eat traditional Vietnamese meals together.A hands-on Saturday activity where you learn skills and get lunch included is a win-win for parents.
: Take a short drive out to Bat Trang Village where everyone can try their hand at making authentic pottery. It’s a wonderful creative outlet away from the city centre.Sunday afternoon is perfect for a short trip outside the city bustle to create something tangible.
: Visit Vietnam's first university, built in dedication to Confucius. It features beautiful, serene courtyards which are great for letting kids wander and enjoy the open space.The peaceful courtyards offer a great alternative to the busy streets on Saturday morning.
: This air-conditioned aquarium is perfect for a break from the heat or if Saturday plans get rained out. See everything from Mekong river fish to penguins and sea lions.It's a great, stroller-friendly indoor option for Saturday morning.
FREE : Escape the intensity of the city center at Hanoi’s largest park. It features huge green areas, lakes perfect for boat rides, and playgrounds for letting the kids run wild on Saturday.It’s one of the best places to let children burn off energy in a large, open environment on Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Hanoi this weekend?
The best free activity this weekend is the Hoan Kiem Lake Walk Tour on Sunday, March 1st, as the surrounding streets are closed to traffic, making it safe for walking and exploring near Ngoc Son Temple.
Is there a good cultural event happening this weekend?
Yes, the 'Spring Colours Across the Nation' event at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism runs through Sunday, featuring reenactments and activities celebrating Vietnamese ethnic communities.
What is a good indoor option for Saturday if the weather is bad?
For an indoor adventure on Saturday, February 28th, check out the combined VinKE (interactive learning zone) and Vinpearl Aquarium at Times City.
